Sixty-Four: "Punishment"

On the way back to the Yan family, Zhao Ding asked Zhang Xuan about several terms Zhang Xuan had mentioned earlier. This left Zhang Xuan feeling overwhelmed; some of these words were ones he often used, spoken out of habit, and as for explaining them—come on, he wasn’t a dictionary, how could he remember every detail? But faced with Zhao Ding’s earnest, eager desire to learn, Zhang Xuan couldn’t bring himself to refuse, so he racked his brains to give explanations as best he could. Yet, once he started, it was like a floodgate opening; explaining one term would lead to another, and the cycle continued endlessly. Zhang Xuan was still talking, wondering why they hadn’t reached the Yan house yet, complaining inwardly about Zhao Ding’s lack of tact.

Old Master Tong and the others watched the scene unfold. Tong and Uncle Yang exchanged glances—was this really the Zhang Xuan they knew? Was Zhang Xuan always this “learned,” his mind so full of “knowledge”? Yang Zaixing and Yuwen Chengdu, though they often couldn’t quite follow Zhang Xuan’s rapid-fire explanations, felt that their third brother was indeed scholarly. After all, a young scholar on his way to the academy was humbly seeking advice from their third brother, and Zhang Xuan responded with authority. Where Zhang Xuan had acquired all this learning was not their concern.

After a while, the characters for “Yan Family” finally came into view. Zhang Xuan, seeing the familiar word, felt as if he’d spotted his savior, silently cheering for his imminent liberation.

Zhao Yun also lowered his head upon seeing the “Yan” character. Observing this, Zhao Ding, uncertain about what punishment Zhao Yun would face, could only comfort him by patting his head, planning to plead for him or do something else once the “punishment” was decided. This was one of Zhao Ding’s main reasons for coming to the Yan house.

Old Master Tong signaled for everyone to wait at the door while he went in to make arrangements. With so many people needing food and drink, if he didn’t give notice, being turned away would be terribly embarrassing.

While they waited, Zhao Ding approached Zhang Xuan, whose head seemed to buzz with anticipation. “Brother Zhang, may I ask what kind of punishment my cousin is going to face?”

Zhao Yun edged closer, and the others turned their attention to Zhang Xuan.

Zhang Xuan, relieved that Zhao Ding wasn’t asking about vocabulary, exhaled quietly and replied, “Why ask me? I’m not the one deciding Zhao Yun’s punishment. It’ll be up to Old Master Tong, Uncle Yang, and our elder brothers to discuss and settle on a fitting penalty. After all, Zhao Yun’s departure has caused significant trouble for them all. If we want to prevent a repeat, Zhao Yun must learn his lesson. As for the specifics, let’s wait until they’ve discussed it.”

After some time, Old Master Tong emerged from the house, leading Zhao Ding and the others inside. Once everyone was settled, Zhang Xuan called Old Master Tong, Uncle Yang, Yang Zaixing, Yang Hu, and Yuwen Chengdu into the courtyard. Zhao Yun hung his head, and Zhao Ding comforted him from the side.

Old Master Tong glanced around, seeing no one speak, so he took the initiative. “Let’s discuss—what sort of punishment should Zhao Yun receive?”

“Let it go,” someone said. “Zhao Yun is still very young. He saw someone he recognized—his cousin, no less—and though it was only a possibility at the time, it’s understandable that he’d want to confirm. There’s been no real loss, and I doubt he’ll make the same mistake again. Let’s be lenient; if you must punish him, have him do extra training starting tomorrow. How does that sound?”

Yang Zaixing, Yuwen Chengdu, and Yang Hu agreed. Since nothing was lost and Zhao Yun was still a child, seeking out a relative in a foreign land was forgivable.

Old Master Tong, seeing everyone had spoken except Zhang Xuan, turned to him. “Scholar Zhang, you were so full of insight on the way back—what do you think?”

Zhang Xuan grinned at the nickname “Scholar Zhang.” “Scholar Zhang—when did I earn such a title? Compared to these ancients, I really do stand out. Once that brilliance shines, there’s no holding it back,” he mused, indulging in a moment of self-admiration. “Actually, I agree with you all. Watching Zhao Yun’s anxious return, I think he’s learned his lesson, and he won’t dare repeat his mistake. If I had to punish him myself, I couldn’t bring myself to do it—he’s like a younger brother to me. Still, death is spared, but he must face some consequence. Let’s have him do extra training from tomorrow. It’s about time for that, anyway. And I’ll have a talk with him.”

Old Master Tong then announced the group’s decision: starting tomorrow, Zhao Yun would undergo additional training as punishment, and a rule was established—if he repeated his mistake, mercy would not be shown.

Hearing his “punishment,” Zhao Yun nodded vigorously, promising to begin extra training from tomorrow and to never slack off.